THIS was a night of mixed emotions for Merthyr's mixed martial arts team.

With only three team members on the fight card, the rest of the team also made the journey over to Nantyglo to give some much-needed support.

First to strut their stuff was Chris Handley, fighting Aaron Wilkinson from Manchester G&P.

After a good start from both fighters, Aaron managed to take Chris down.

Following two illegal shots to Chris's head while on the deck, Wilkinson took full advantage of a dazed iron warrior and trapped him in a ankle lock, with no way out for Chris but to tap.

A dejected Chris said after the fight: “I was in great shape going in, really looking forward to it but after the two head shots landed I had a lapse in concentration which proved to be costly. Bring on the next fight.”

Then came the turn of the crowd’s favourite the Merthyr Machine Liam Ronan who was to face the experienced fighter Chris Konieczny from the Combat Academy.

With Chris being unable to take Liam down, a stand-up battle commenced.

Liam was booming in with massive leg kicks and vicious knee attacks.

The Combat Academy's fighter had no option but to try and take Liam down to the ground.

With Liam's hugh strength and massive fitness level, it wasn’t long before he started to boss the more experienced fighter around.

The judges gave the win to the team Iron Warrior Fight.

Liam gave a perfect display, of good ground and take down defence mixed with his big stand up game. A delighted Liam said after his fight: “I'm glad to get the first one out of the way, it felt really good in there, I wish it went on for another few rounds so I could beat him even more.”

The team would all like to thank Choice Business for the their kind sponsorship of the team.

And everyone who went over there to support the boys a massive thank you, your support is much appreciated.

If you are interested in taking up the sport they train on Thursdays from 5.30om until 7.30pm at Active Bodies, Pentrebach and from 1pm until 3pm on Sundays at Cefn Coed Church Hall.